Fifteen people have died and 17 others were injured after a trailer crashed along the Ogbomoso-Oko Olowo section of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said.
The crash, which occurred near the Muslim cemetery on the busy highway, involved a DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL274XC.
According to the FRSC, a total of 48 male occupants were involved in the lone accident. Fifteen were confirmed dead at the scene, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.
The FRSC attributed the crash to driver fatigue, saying the victims suffered injuries including fractures, dislocations and bruises.
Kwara Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabiru Kazeem, identified the driver as Nasiru Muhammed and said those injured had been taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
“The injured victims have been evacuated to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for medical attention,” Kazeem said.
He added that the bodies of those who died had been handed over to representatives of their families and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area.
Kazeem also disclosed that rescue teams were continuing to search for more victims believed to be trapped beneath the trailer’s load.
“The search for more victims buried under the load is still ongoing,” he said.
He said the rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel from FRSC RS8.15 Oloru and RS8.1 Kwara (Oko Olowo Outpost).
Following the tragedy, the FRSC said it would intensify public awareness campaigns through town hall meetings with transport stakeholders.
Kazeem urged motorists to avoid mixed loading, rest adequately before embarking on long journeys and refrain from night travel to reduce the risk of fatal crashes.
